The National Film and Television School (NFTS) has partnered with the Sean Connery Foundation to establish a new Scottish filmmaking center in Edinburgh.
The NFTS Sean Connery Institute, set to open in 2027, will consolidate and expand NFTS’s activities in Scotland under a unified initiative. Its mission is to discover and nurture the next generation of Scottish film and television talent, enabling them to build enduring careers while amplifying the nation’s diverse voices both domestically and globally.
The institute will open in central Edinburgh within 18 months, housing NFTS’s training programs and hosting public events such as screenings, masterclasses, and conversations.
The project builds on nine years of NFTS operations in Scotland via NFTS Scotland and the Sean Connery Talent Lab. Launched in 2023 under Scottish producer Chris Young with support from the Sean Connery Foundation and BBC Film, the Lab is now in its third cohort, offering immersive training for emerging writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, and editors.
Since inception, the Talent Lab has supported 75 filmmakers through intensive workshops, mentoring, story development, and hands-on experience. Its 12 completed projects earned consecutive world premieres at the Edinburgh Film Festival in 2025 and 2026.
“This marks a significant milestone for the NFTS and represents the next chapter of our commitment to Scotland,” said director Jon Wardle. “Nine years ago, our work began with the aim of bringing world-class training closer to Scotland’s screen industry. Today, we’ve trained thousands and firsthand witness the depth of talent across the country.”
“By establishing a permanent home in Edinburgh, we’re planting roots to sustain long-term support for Scotland’s emerging talent,” Wardle added.
Jason and Stephane Connery of the Sean Connery Foundation stated: “Our father valued fairness, hard work, and nurturing talent. He believed opportunity shouldn’t be evenly distributed and those with determination deserve a chance to succeed. A lifelong Scot at heart, he would relish seeing our partnership with the NFTS deepen its ties to his beloved Edinburgh.”
